Multi-compartment flexible pouch

ABSTRACT

A flexible pouch with multiple compartments for packaging a product includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a side edge extending therebetween the upper edge and the lower edge. A mid-seam separates the wall into discrete compartments, and the mid-seam is a frangible seal that remains intact when a pressure within the pouch is below a predetermined bursting pressure, and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater than the predetermined bursting pressure. The pouch also includes an opening means integrally formed in at least one compartment for accessing a product contained within the pouch. A method of filling the multi-compartment pouch with a product includes the steps of simultaneously opening each compartment of the pouch using a pair of opposed first grippers positioned on each side edge of the pouch, a pair of opposed second grippers positioned on an upper edge of the pouch, and a pair of opposed suction members positioned on each compartment wall, and simultaneously pushing the first grippers inwardly and second grippers and suction members outwardly. The method further includes the steps of filling at least one of the opened compartments with a product applying a closing sealing to seal the filled compartments.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/658,126 filed Mar. 3, 2005, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a flexible pouch forpackaging products, and more particularly to a multi-compartment pouchfor packaging a product within a compartment and a method ofmanufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of disposable, portable containers are known in the artfor storing a fluid or dry product, such as a liquid, granular material,powder or the like. An example of such a container is a flexible pouch.Consumers prefer the convenience of flexible pouches over other types ofcontainers, due to their shape, size, shelf life and storageadaptability. Manufactures recognize the packaging benefits of aflexible pouch, since the pouch can be formed and filled on the samemanufacturing line. An example of a method and apparatus for filling aflexible pouch with a product is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. No. 6,199,601, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The flexible pouch is preferably made from a flexible material, such asan extrusion or laminate composed of sheets of plastic or aluminum orthe like. An outer layer of the material may include preprintedinformation, such as a logo or the like, to provide the consumer withinformation regarding the contents of the pouch. The pouch may be formedusing conventionally known manufacturing techniques, such as ahorizontal form-fill-seal machine with single or multiple lanes, a flatbed pre-made pouch machine, a vertical form-fill-seal machine, or thelike. The pouch is generally formed by folding sheets of material overeach other to achieve a predetermined shape. Edges, such as a side edge,may be joined together using a sealing technique such as bonding orwelding. The pouch may also include a gusset inserted between twoparallel edges, to form a pouch capable of standing unsupported. Anupper or lower edge of the front panel and the back panel is generallynot sealed until after the pouch is filled. The empty pouch may beplaced in a gripper assembly or a holder such as a cup or puck orcombination of both prior to the filling process. To fill the pouch, theupper edges of the pouch are first spread apart. For example, grippersmay be utilized to pull the panels apart. In addition, a concentratedflow of gas may be directed towards the upper edge of the pouch toseparate the panels or a suction cup or combinations of all of theabove. The open pouch is filled, sealed and finished as required.

Flexible pouches have been used for some time to store and serve foodproducts, such as fruit juice or cereal or the like. The flexible pouchmay also be used for both storing and cooking the food product containedtherein. A common feature of this type of pouch is a venting means,which provides for the release of steam or any other gas that may begenerated within the package. Advantageously, the flexible pouch may beused in cooking a frozen food, or a food at room temperature. An exampleof a pouch with a venting means is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/329,712 filed Jan. 11, 2006, which isincorporated herein by reference.

Flexible pouches are also used to package non-carbonated products, suchas fruit juice and the like. However, their use with carbonated productshas been limited, due to the permeability of presently availablematerials, thereby allowing loss of the internal carbon dioxide gas fromthe pouch and its replacement with oxygen. The presence of oxygen in thefilled pouch increases the chance of bacteria forming, or may affect thetaste. An example of a pouch for packaging a carbonated product isdisclosed in commonly assigned PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US03/034396, which is incorporated herein by reference.

More recently, flexible pouches have been utilized to package othertypes of products, such as lotions or personal care items or the like.In addition, multi-compartment pouches have been utilized to package avariety of products. While these flexible pouches are useful, they arecostly to produce and may not intermix the products efficiently, or areprone to leakage between compartments. Thus, there is a need in the artfor a flexible pouch with multiple compartments, and an improved methodof making such a flexible pouch, that can be used both to store varioustypes of products and also to intermix the products contained within thecompartments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a flexible pouch for both storing and heating or cooling aproduct contained therein, and a method of manufacturing and fillingsuch a flexible pouch is provided. A flexible pouch with multiplecompartments for packaging a product includes a wall having an innersurface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edgeand a side edge extending therebetween the upper edge and the loweredge. A mid-seam separates the wall into discrete compartments, and themid-seam is a frangible seal that remains intact when a pressure withinthe pouch is below a predetermined bursting pressure, and breaks whenthe pressure within the pouch is greater than the predetermined burstingpressure. The pouch also includes an opening means integrally formed inat least one compartment for accessing a product contained within thepouch. A method of filling the multi-compartment pouch with a productincludes the steps of simultaneously opening each compartment of thepouch using a pair of opposed first grippers positioned on each sideedge of the pouch, a pair of opposed second grippers positioned on anupper edge of the pouch, and a pair of opposed suction memberspositioned on each compartment wall, and simultaneously pushing thefirst grippers inwardly and pulling the second grippers and suctionmembers in an outwardly direction. The method further includes the stepsof filling at least one of the opened compartments with a product, andapplying a closing sealing to seal the filled compartments.

One advantage of the present invention is that an improvedmulti-compartment flexible pouch and an improved method of making andfilling a multi-compartment flexible pouch with a product is provided,and the flexible pouch is suitable for storing and processing of theproduct contained therein. Another advantage of the present invention isthat a flexible pouch and method of making the same is provided thatincludes at least one mid-seam that is a frangible seal separating thepouch into multiple compartments. Still another advantage of the presentinvention is that a flexible pouch and method of making the same isprovided that includes a frangible seal that prevents the leakage ofproduct between adjacent compartments. A further advantage of thepresent invention is that a flexible pouch and a method of making thesame are provided that is cost effective to manufacture. Yet a furtheradvantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch isself-heating, in order to heat the contents of the pouch. Yet still afurther advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch isself-cooling, in order to cool the contents of the flexible pouch. Yetstill a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexiblepouch includes a double top seal and a double bottom seal, with an airpocket formed between the two seals, that insulates the double seal sothat the pouch can be gripped by the ends when the contents of thecompartments separated by the frangible seal are mixed. Still yet afurther advantage of the present invention is that a method of fillingthe multi-compartment pouch is provided that utilizes grippers tosimultaneously open each of the compartments for filling. Anotheradvantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes aventing means surrounded by a frangible seal. A further advantage of thepresent invention is that the products contained in each compartment arekept separate until mixed or combined for use, to increase the shelflife of the combined product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a multi-compartment flexible pouch, accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of another example of a multi-compartmentflexible pouch, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of yet another example of a multi-compartmentflexible pouch, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a further example of a multi-compartmentflexible pouch, according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b are front views of another example of a multi-compartmentflexible pouch with a venting means, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of still another example of a multi-compartmentflexible pouch with a venting means, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing and fillingthe flexible pouch of FIGS. 1-6, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a web of material, according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c are elevational views of a method of simultaneouslyopening each pouch compartment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a form-fill-seal machine, according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a sealed, multi-compartment flexible pouch 10 isillustrated. Each compartment of the pouch 10 may be filled with aproduct (not shown) and sealed, and each compartment may contain adifferent product. The type of product packaged is unlimited, as well asthe form of the product, such as a solid, liquid or gaseous form. Inaddition, it is contemplated that with multiple products in one package,each product can assume a different form, (i.e. one compartment holds asolid product and one compartment holds a liquid product). For example,in a two-compartment pouch, the product in each compartment may be afood item that is stored separately and then mixed together for serving.In another example of a two-compartment pouch, the product in eachcompartment may be a chemical that is stored separately and mixedtogether to provide a heat pack or cold pack. In a further example of athree-compartment pouch, the product in one compartment is a product tobe heated, and the other two compartments each contain a chemical thatupon mixing undergoes an exothermic reaction to produce heat. An exampleof a chemical is an exothermic powder such as lime. Alternatively, theproduct is to be cooled and the other compartments each contain achemical substance that upon mixing undergoes an endothermic reaction toproduce cooling. An example of a chemical is glycol. In the example of afour-compartment pouch, it is contemplated that two of the compartmentsmay contain related products, and that the other two compartmentscontain products that produce a thermal reaction upon mixing.Advantageously, the number of compartments and type of product containedwithin is determined by the specific use of the package and product.

The flexible pouch may be formed on various types of machines, such as aform machine, or a form-fill-seal machine. The flexible pouch 10 ispreferably formed from a roll of preprinted material of or extrudedlaminate layers. The laminate or extruded material is typically a three,or four, or five gauge material. The outer layer is usually preprinted.Alternatively, at least a portion of the material may be not printed,i.e. translucent, in order to view the contents contained therein. Theclear portion could also be in a gusset or insert.

The choice of sheet layer material is non-limiting, and the selection isinfluenced by factors such as the product contained in the pouch, theshape of the pouch, or the anticipated use of the pouch. One example ofa laminate material structure includes at least one layer of virginpolyethylene terphalate (PET), at least one layer of aluminum foil andanother layer such as EVOH, PET, polyethylene or nylon or the like.Another type of laminate material structure may also include a metalizedfoil paper layer laminated to a cast polypropylene layer and anotherlayer of PET, polyethylene or EVOH. Similarly, the laminate structuremay include a cast polypropylene (CPP) layer, a polyethylene (PET)layer, a foil (AL) layer, a nylon (ONO) layer and another CPP layer.Another structure is the use of nylon, foil, nylon and castpolypropylene (ONO/AL/ONO/CPP) or CPP/NY/AL/CPP or PET/AL/nylon/CPP.Material structures that include CPP are well-suited for packaging abeverage, such as beer, wine or other carbonated products, to addstrength to the walls of the pouch, preserve the carbonation, andprotect the AL layer from cracking. Carbonation is beneficial since itacts as a microbiocide and preserves the flavor and aroma of particularproducts. The use of cast polypropylene laminate material also assistsin retaining the filled shape of the container, even as the product isremoved from the pouch 10. This is advantageous since it allows thepouch 10 to assume various shapes such as cylindrical, although othershapes are contemplated. A further example of a laminate materialstructure is CPP/AL/ONO/PE. This structure works well when the producthas a short shelf life, and the nylon eliminates stretching or crackingof the AL layer.

The pouch 10 includes a front wall 12 and a rear wall 14. Each wall 12,14 has an inner surface that is adjacent the product, and an outersurface. Each wall 12, 14 is further defined by an upper edge 16, anopposed lower edge 18, and a side edge 20 extending therebetween theupper and lower edges 16, 18. The side edges 20 are joined by a sideseal, as shown at 24.

The pouch may be formed from two facing sheets of material that arejoined together along corresponding side edges. Alternatively, the pouch10 may be formed from a sheet of material that is folded so that theouter edges are joined together to form one center seam. In an exampleof a pouch formed using a single panel of material, the side edges 20are joined along a center seam. In an example of a pouch formed usingtwo sheets of material, the edges are joined along two side seams. Theseam may be a flat seam, as described in commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/195,906, or a “fin” type seam, or any other typeof seam. In this example, the pouch 10 has a generally rectangularshape, although other shapes are contemplated. The choice of shape forthe pouch is influenced by the product contained within the package andthe use of the package. The pouch may be a stand-up pouch.

The upper edges 16 of the pouch are joined by an upper seal 26.Similarly, the lower edges 18 of the pouch are joined by a lower seal28. The upper seal 26 or lower seal 28 may be a single seal, or aninsulating seal, as shown at 50. The insulting seal includes two seals50 a, 50 b separated by an airspace 50 c. The airspace 50 c creates apocket of air that serves as an insulator. The insulated air pocket isadvantageous, since the temperature change of the pouch 10 after thefrangible seal is broken and the compartments undergo the thermalreaction, may make the pouch 10 uncomfortable to hold. The pouch 10 canbe comfortably held by the upper and lower edges 16, 18 due to theinsulating ability of the airspace 50 c between the seal 50 a, 50 b. Inthis example, the insulating seal has an overall width of at least ¾″wide.

The pouch 10 may include a shaping mean 30, such as an insert 34,sidewall or gusset 32. The shaping means advantageously directs theshape of the pouch 10. It may also have a functional purpose, such as toallow the pouch stand upright, or provide a base for an opening means.For example, a sidewall may be formed as a gusset or pleat. The gusset32 may be integrally formed in the wall, or a separate piece ofmaterial. The gusset 32 may be disposed between the side edges of thefront and back walls 12, 14, the lower edges, the upper edges, or anydesired combination. It should be appreciated that the shape of thegusset 32 is nonlimiting. For example, the gusset 32 may be generallywider at one end and taper upwardly towards the opposite end. The gusset32 may also be of a uniform width. The use of the gusset 32 may befunctional, i.e. it may allow the pouch 10 to acquire another shape,such as cylindrical, or to stand upright. The gusset 32 also enhancesthe strength and rigidity of the pouch 10 during filling and processing.A side gusset is advantageous since it allows the walls of the pouch toexpand as the internal pressure within the pouch increases. A gusset 32positioned between the lower edges of the pouch 10 forms a base, whichmay enable the pouch 10 to stand upright.

Similarly, the pouch may include an insert 34 as shown in FIGS. 5 a, 5b. The insert 34 is a generally planar member that is inserted betweenthe walls 12, 14 of the pouch 10. The shape of the insert 34 isnonlimiting, and generally influences the shape of the flexible pouch.The insert 34 may be positioned internally within the pouch orexternally. Various materials may be utilized for the insert, such asfoil, cardboard, plastic, nylon, laminate or the like. Further, theinsert 34 may be formed from a printed material, or it may be clear. Inone example, the insert 34 is inserted between the lower edges of thepanel and sealed to the walls of the panel. The seal may be anultrasonic seal or a heat weld or the like. The insert 34 may provide asupport for an opening means, such as a fitment.

The pouch may contain two inserts, such as a first insert positionedbetween the lower edges of the panel, and a second insert positionedbetween the upper edges of the panel. The first insert may include anintegral opening means, such as a straw hole for receiving a straw. Thepouch of this example has a generally square shape.

The pouch 10 is divided into multiple compartments 36 by at least onemid-seal 22. It should be appreciated that the number of compartments 36is non-limiting. It should also be appreciated that any arrangement ofcompartments 36 is contemplated. It should also be appreciated that thecompartments 36 may be of varying sizes. Also, the compartments 36 canbe arranged side-by-side horizontally or vertically, or a combination ofthe two. Therefore, the mid-seal 22 can have a generally horizontalorientation, or a generally vertical orientation. The mid-seal 22advantageously isolates the contents of one compartment 36 from thecontents of an adjacent compartment 36. Preferably, the mid-seal 22 ispositioned so that it does not interfere with filling of the pouch. Themid-seal 22 may include a score line 38 to facilitate folding over thecompartments of the pouch along the score line 38, if so desired. Thescore line 38 does not affect the integrity of the mid-seal.

At least one of the mid-seals 22 is a frangible seal 22 a. In theexample illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 6, there is one vertically orientedmid-seal 22 separating a first compartment 36 a from a secondcompartment 36 b, and this mid-seal is a frangible seal 22 a.

In another example illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, there are threecompartments 36 and two mid-seals 22. Also, in this example, the firstmid-seal 22 a separating compartment 1 from compartment 2 is a frangibleseal. The second mid-seal 22 b separating compartment 2 from compartment3 is a permanent seal. Alternatively, the second mid-seal could be afrangible seal if so desired. In still another example shown in FIG. 4,the pouch 10 is a four-compartment pouch. The first mid-seal separatingthe first and second compartments is a frangible seal. The secondmid-seal separating the second and third compartments 36 c is apermanent seal, and the third mid-seal separating the third and fourthcompartments is a frangible seal. The frangible seal is a seal producedby reducing sealing temperature to a lower setting, such as a reductionof about 60 degrees F. or a temperature just above the melting point ofthe sealant layer. Another way is to reduce the pressure of the sealbars to create a tack seal. A further method is to reduce both pressureof the seal bars and the time of applying the seal bars.

The frangible seal 22 a is a seal with a predetermined burst pressurethat is less than the burst pressure of the other seals, such as theside seal 24, upper seal 26 or lower seal 28. The frangible seal isformed using a sealing technique that involves the application of heatand pressure, such as a heat weld, or by an ultrasonic seal. Thefrangible seal 22 a is automatically broken when the pressure within thecompartment 36 exceeds a predetermined burst pressure value, such asoccurring when the pouch is folded along the frangible mid-seal 22 a.

For example, the first and second compartments 36 a, 36 b may containproducts to be mixed to undergo a thermal reaction, and the thirdcompartment 36 c may contain a third product that benefits from thethermal reaction. For example, the first and second compartments 36 a,36 b contain products that are mixed together when the frangible seal 22a bursts to create a heat pack. The third compartment 36 c may be foldedover the first and second compartments 36 a, 36 b, or folded between thefirst and second compartment 36 a, 36 b, in order to heat the thirdproduct. This arrangement may also facilitate dispensing of the thirdproduct via an opening means 40 located in the third compartment.

The pouch includes an opening means 40 for accessing the contents ordispensing the contents from at least one compartment 36 of the pouch10. Various types of opening means 40 are known in the art for thispurpose. It should be appreciated that the opening means 40 may beincorporated into the pouch 10 prior to filling the pouch 10.

One example of an opening means is a tear-off portion, as shown in FIG.2 at 42. The tear-off portion 42 provides access to at least one of thecompartments 36. The tear-off portion 42 usually has an integral tearnotch 44. The tear notch 44 is typically formed near the upper edge, foraccessing the product contained therein although it could be locatedelsewhere. Another example of an opening means 40 is a weakened,straw-pierceable portion in the pouch for receiving a straw within atleast one of the compartments. A further example of an opening means 40is a pull tab covering an opening in the pouch. Again, the pull tabprovides for access to at least one of the compartments. Yet anotherexample of an opening means is a resealable zipper, such as a hermeticseal, such as a zipper that is sold under the name TopTite™ (not shown).

Still a further example of an opening means 40 is a fitment 46, such asa removable and replaceable cap 46 a secured to a spout 46 b. Thefitment 46 may be mounted to the top portion or side portion of thecompartment 36 containing the product to be dispensed. In FIG. 1, thefitment 46 is a screw-off cap 46 a with a pour spout 46 b. FIG. 3illustrates a flip-top cap secured to a pour spout 46 b. The cap 46 acan be the traditional round shape. Alternatively, the cap 46 a can havean elongated oval shape so that the pouch may stand up on its own. Thecap 46 a and spout 46 b can be made from a variety of materials. Forexample, the cap 46 a may be made from plastic, such as reground resins.The spout 46 b may be made of polypropylene (PP), depending on theproduct. The fitment 46 is sealed between the edges of the panel using asealing means, such as an ultrasonic seal or a heat weld, or the like.The spout portion of the fitment 46 may include a removable seal (notshown) to prevent leakage of the product or evidence of tampering.

One of the pouch compartments 36 may include an integral vent means 60,as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The vent means, such as a valve, ispreferably positioned in an upper portion of one wall of thecompartment, such as the front wall 12 of this example. The valve 60 ispreferably welded in an aperture formed in the panel during the flexiblepouch forming process. The valve 60 functions to exhaust gas, such assteam. The gas may be formed within the package while heating theproduct contained within the compartment 36. The valve 60 may also beoperable to respire gas formed in the compartment 36 for other reasons,such as gas formed by decaying food or during freezing or the like. Thevalve 60 remains tightly closed, until pressure from the gas, such assteam, reaches a predetermined pressure value. An example of apredetermined pressure is approximately 3 mbar. The valve 60 opens andremains open, to release the gas from the package in a controlledmanner.

Various types of valves 60 are contemplated. For example, a tape may beused to cover a hole in the wall. Alternatively, a pressure reliefdevice, such as that manufactured by PPI Technologies, Sarasota, Floridamodel number P00T, may be utilized. Another example of a valve isdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.10/228,430 and 10/967,547 and PCT patent application Ser. No.PCT/US2004/34361.

The valve 60 is completely enclosed by a frangible valve seal 62 formedin the walls of the pouch. The frangible valve seal 62 is designed toburst when subjected to a predetermined frangible seal burstingpressure. The frangible valve seal 62 advantageously isolates the valve60 from the contents of the pouch. The valve 60 and frangible valve seal62 are preferably positioned so as not to interfere with filling orsealing of the pouch 10. The frangible valve seal 62 is automaticallybroken when the pressure in the pouch 10 exceeds a predeterminedbursting value, such as occurring when the pouch 10 is heated above apredetermined temperature. In one example, the frangible valve seal 62is broken due to the pressure buildup of steam within the compartment36, thus allowing the steam to escape through the valve. In anotherexample, the pressure can be increased by manipulating the pouch 10 inorder to break the frangible valve seal 62.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frangible valve seal 62 hasan “L” shape, although other shapes are contemplated. The valve seal 62of this example is preferably positioned so that the side seal 24 servesto enclose the open end of the “L” shaped valve seal 02. Other shapesfor the frangible seal 62 are contemplated, such as a “V-shape”, or acircle, or a square, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, the product is a food product such as soup. Onecompartment of the pouch includes a vent means 60 surrounded by afrangible valve seal 62. This compartment may be separated from othercompartments by a mid-seal 22 that provides a barrier, the othercompartments may include a product that when mixed produces heat to heatthe soup. As shown in FIG. 6, a first compartment 36 a contains the ventmeans 60 and the vent means is separated from a food product, such as avegetable, by a frangible seal 22 a. The second compartment 36 bcontains a product such as water, and the mid-seal is a frangible seal.In operation, increasing the pressure in the pouch 10, such as bysqueezing the pouch, causes the mid-seal 22 to burst, so that thecontents of the first and second compartment are mixed together. Thepouch may be heated, such as using an external source, causing thefrangible valve seal 62 around the vent means 60 to burst, thus allowingthe escape of gas from the pouch 10.

It should be appreciated that the flexible pouch may advantageouslyinclude other features that are known in the art. One example of afeature is an integrally formed label 54 as shown in FIG. 5. The label54 may be formed from an outer layer of the laminate material thatincludes preprinted information. The label 54 may also be a sleevecovering the outer surface of the pouch. The sleeve may cover only aportion of the pouch outer surface. Preferably, the sleeve is heatshrunk over the outer surface of the pouch. This operation may occureither before or after filling of the pouch with product. The sleeve isadvantageous since it adds one more layer of material to strengthen thepouch and improve its durability. Various types of material may beutilized for the sleeve, such as paper or a plastic, and the selectionis non-limiting.

Another example of a feature is an integrally formed securing means 48,such as a tape, for securing the compartments 36 together. For example,two of the compartments may be sealed together to create a heat pack orcold pack around the product contained in another one of thecompartments.

A further example of a pouch feature is a guide pocket 56 formed in apanel or wall of the pouch 10 prior to filling and sealing, tofacilitate the separation of the front and rear panels prior to thefilling of the pouch 10. Preferably, each compartment 36 would contain aguide pocket 56. An example of a pouch with a guide pocket is disclosedin commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/310,221.

After the pouch 10 is formed, the pouch 10 is available for filling,such as through an opening formed between open edges of the panels, orthrough the fitment. After filling, the open edges of the pouch aresealed using a conventional method, such as heat sealing, or ultrasonicsealing or the like. The closing seal may be a single seal, or a widedouble seal, as previously described. The sealed pouch is finished. Forexample, the pouch may be trimmed so that the compartment containing theproduct is smaller than the other compartments. This is advantageouswhen the compartment with the product is positioned relative to thepouch containing the thermal materials.

In operation, an example of a four-compartment pouch shown in FIG. 4contains a product in one pair of compartments that undergoes a thermalreaction when mixed, and the other pair of compartments each contains aproduct intended to be mixed. Each pair of compartments may be separatedby a permanent seal, so that the products are kept separate. Within eachpair of compartment, a frangible seal separates each compartment,allowing contents of within each pair of compartments to be mixedtogether. For example, one pair of compartments may contain coffeegrounds and the other may contain water to make coffee when mixedtogether, and the other pair of compartments may contain chemicals thatproduce heat when mixed together. One compartment of each is foldedalong the respective frangible mid-seal, in order to break the frangibleseal. The contents of the adjacent compartments are mixed together afterthe seal separating them is broken. The compartments are folded togetherin order form a compact package for drinking the coffee.

Similarly, in an example of a three-compartment pouch with a horizontalarrangement of compartments as shown in FIGS. 1-3, one compartment maybe folded in order to break a frangible mid-seal to mix the contents ofthe two adjacent compartments. Another compartment, separated from theother two by a solid mid-seam, may be positioned between the first andsecond compartments, or adjacent the second compartment. In thisexample, the mixed contents undergo an exothermic reaction, creatingheat, which may be utilized to heat the contents of the thirdcompartment. In another example, the mixed contents may undergo anendothermic reaction, which may be utilized to cool the contents of thethird compartment. In a further example of a two-compartment pouch witha vertical arrangement of compartments as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, alower compartment may contain water, a middle compartment contains apowder, and an upper compartment contains a catalytic product. Afrangible seal separates each of the compartments. When the seals arebroken, the products are mixed, resulting in the production of oxygen.It should be appreciated that the multi-compartment flexible pouch mayhave many other uses and features other than those described herein.

Referring to FIG. 7, a method for forming and filling themulti-compartment flexible pouch 10, such as that described with respectto FIGS. 1-6, using a high speed machine is illustrated. The methodbegins in block 100 at a first station with the step of forming the bodyof the pouch. Each pouch 10 has a predetermined shape. For example, aroll of a preprinted laminate material as previously described, isunrolled along a horizontally oriented plane. In this example, thelaminate material contains three layers of material. The initial widthof the roll of material is determined by the desired finished size ofthe pouch and the number of pouches to be obtained from the width. Forexample, three or four or six pouches representing six to twelve wallpanels can be obtained from a width of the roll of material on athree-lane machine or four-lane machine, respectively.

Each wall panel has an inner surface and an outer surface. One layer ofthe material is preferably preprinted with information or locatingindicia (not shown), such as a registration mark. The registration marksare located on the material to denote an edge of a panel. Theregistration marks are read by an optical reading device (not shown),such as a scanner, to index the material in a predetermined position atthe cutting station. The preprinted information may include labelinginformation that describes the product contained within the pouch, orinstructions on how to use the pouch. In this example, the layer ofpreprinted information is located on an outer layer of the material.

Various techniques may be utilized to form the body portion of thepouch, depending on the desired end shape of the pouch. The pouch may beformed from one panel sheet of material or two panels, as shown in FIG.8 at 66. An example of a prefabricated pouch forming machine is theNishibe SMB500, SMB600 or SMB700. Another example is the Laudenbergform-fill-seal machine, FBM 10, 54, 20, 22. Preferably, several pouchesare formed from one width of material. The material is removed from theroll, and may be cut into sections that are positioned to form the frontwall and rear wall of the pouch. The methodology advances to block 105.

In block 105, a feature may be added to the pouch. For example, shapingmeans 30 such as a gusset 32 or insert 34 may be positioned between thealigned first and second unrolling sections of material. Alternatively,the gusset or pleat is formed in the panel using a folding operation.The insert 34 may be positioned at any edge, such as a lower edge of thepouch or an upper edge. More that one insert 34 may be utilized toachieve a desired shape.

In addition, an opening means 40 may be applied at this time. Forexample, an opening means 40 such as a press-to-close zipper may bepositioned between the walls 12, 14. Another opening means such as astraw hole, patch or tear notch 44 may be formed. The methodologyadvances to block 110.

In block 110, the multiple compartments are formed in the pouch and theedges are sealed in a sealing operation, as shown in FIG. 8. Forexample, a mid-seal is applied to the pouch wall to separate the pouchinto a first and second compartment 36 a, 36 b. The mid-seal 22 may be afrangible seal 22 a as previously described that prevents the product inone compartment from contaminating the product in the adjacentcompartment. The frangible mid-seal 22 a breaks open if subjected to apredetermined bursting pressure. Another mid-seal 22 is a permanent seal22 b. This type of mid-seal is desirable when the products within thecompartments are to be kept separate. In one example, the first mid-sealis a frangible seal and the second seal is a permanent seal. Themid-seal 22 is formed using a thermosealing process that includes in theapplication of heat, or alternatively an ultrasonic sealing process.Preferably, the frangible mid-seal 22 a is formed at a low temperatureand pressure.

It is contemplated that the side edges may be sealed and a lower edgemay also be sealed at this time. The bottom seal may be a single seal,or an insulating seal 50, as previously described. The insulating seal50 includes two seals 50 a, 50 b separated by an airspace 50 c. Theairspace 50 c creates a pocket of air that serves as an insulator.Various sealing techniques are known in the art. For example, anultrasonic sealing process using vibrational energy to seal, or a weldedseal by applying heat and compression in a two-step welding operation.One edge of the pouch may be left open, designated as the upper edge 16in this example, in order to fill the pouch. Alternatively, the upperedge is sealed and the pouch is filled through the fitment. Themethodology advances to block 115.

In block 115, the individual pouches formed in the roll width ofmaterial are separated from each other in a cutting operation. Forexample, each section of material may be first separated along itswidth, i.e. along the side seams of the pouches, as shown in FIG. 8 at68. The section is then is separated into individual pouches along acutting line, as shown at 69. In this example, the width of unrollingmaterial represents the side edges. The material is cut into a pouch 10using a known cutting apparatus, such as a laser or punch or the like.The cutting apparatus imparts a single cut in the material to separatethe pouches. The length of the pouch 10 is controlled by the distancebetween the cuts. For example, a width of the web of material 66 maycontain three multiple-compartment pouches. A single widthwise andlengthwise cut separates the web into individual pouches.

Alternatively, two rows of pouches are cut out at one time by adding adouble cut between two lengthwise cuts, preferably in the center.Advantageously, forming two pouches during the cutting operationeffectively doubles the assembly line speed.

It should be appreciated that the upper edge 16 or lower 18 edge may befurther trimmed in a trimming operation. For example, the end of thepouch may be trimmed to accommodate the fitment. In another example, twolegs are formed during the trimming operation in order to recess thefitment, when the fitment is sealed to the pouch. Further, the pouch maybe trimmed to obtain a predetermined final pouch shape.

An opening means 40 may be added at this time. For example, a fitment46, as previously described, may be sealed within the walls of thepouch. The fitment 40 may be located on the pouch 10 in a variety oflocations, such as mounted on a bottom, or a top, or a side portion ofthe pouch. Various types of fitments or opening means are contemplated,as previously described

Using the example of a fitment located in a corner of the pouch as shownin FIGS. 1 and 4, the corner of the pouch is cut to receive the fitment.The pouch may be transferred to another machine for the insertion of thefitment, such as a HAMA-type machine. The fitment is inserted throughthe opening in the pouch, and attached to the pouch by heat sealing.

The methodology advances to block 120, and the pouch is then cooledand/or otherwise finished. For example, a crease or guide pocket 56 maybe formed in a top portion of each compartment 36 in a creasingoperation in order to facilitate opening and filling the pouch. Aforming technique, such as stamping, may be utilized. Another example ofa forming technique is the use of heated tubes that thermoform a creasein each panel. An example of a method of forming a crease in thecompartments to facilitate opening the pouch is disclosed in commonlyassigned patent application Ser. No. 10/310,221, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The methodology advances to block 125, and the pouches 10 are removedfrom the machine. For example, the pouches 10 are loaded into a magazinethat aligns the pouches in a predetermined position, such as an uprightposition. The pouches 10 may all be aligned in the same direction, ordepending on the type of fitment, alternating. Preferably, the magazineis a boxlike structure. The width of the magazine corresponds to thewidth of the pouch 10. The magazine may include a mechanism that exertsa preload force on the pouches 10, so that the pouches 10 remainadjacent each other. The methodology advances to block 130.

In block 130, the pouches are loaded onto a fill-seal machine.Advantageously, the fill-seal machine can be integral with the pouchforming machine, or a separate fill-seal machine. It is contemplatedthat the pouches 10 may be temporarily stored in a magazine between theforming and filling operations. This increases the flexibility of thepouch and may result in a manufacturing cost savings. The fill-sealmachine can have stations arranged in a linear manner, or rotaryconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 10.

In block 135, the pre-made pouch 10 is then unloaded from the magazineand loaded into a carrier or holder. It should be appreciated that thepouches are unloaded and uniformly aligned. An example of a holder is acup-shaped member, as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/336,601, which is incorporated herein byreference. Alternatively, the pouch 10 may be held with grippers. Themethodology advances to block 140.

In block 140, the pouch 10 is opened in an opening operation. Varioustechniques are conventionally known in the art for opening the pouch 10.For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 c, for a three-compartment pouch,each compartment of the pouch is opened simultaneously using grippersarranged in a predetermined manner. A first pair of grippers 70 ispositioned along each side edge of the pouch. A second pair of grippers72 is positioned near the upper edge of the front panel and rear panelfor the middle compartment. In addition, a third pair of grippers 74 ispositioned near the upper edge of the front panel and rear panel foreach compartment. The third pair of grippers 74 is of the suction vacuumtype. To open the pouch, the side grippers 70 move inwardly towards eachother while the grippers 72, 74 adjacent each panel move in an outwardlydirection, as shown in FIGS. 9 b and 9 c. In this manner, eachcompartment of the pouch is simultaneously opened.

In addition, a nozzle (not shown) may be mechanically lowered into eachguide pocket 56 to direct a stream of compressed gas into the guidepocket 56, to force the walls of the pouch 10 away from each other. Anexample of a gas is carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The blowing station mayinclude a manifold, with a hood extending over the top of (not shown)the upper edges of the pouch 10, as is known in the art. The manifoldhas rows of apertures (not shown) formed above the upper edges of thepouch. The hood is placed over the pouch 10 to assist in maintaining theair pressure in the pouch 10. The supply of pressurized gas is directedthrough the aperture to form a plurality of jets of pressurized gas orair. The jets are directed downwardly at the diamond-shaped openingsformed at the upper edges to assist in overcoming the surface tension ofthe pouch and assist in separation of the walls of each compartment. Adiving rod (not shown) may then be used to make sure the pouch 10 isfully opened. It should be appreciated that for a multi-compartmentpouch, each compartment may be opened simultaneously using a pluralityof gas streams and diving rods. The methodology advances to block 145.

In block 145, at least one compartment of the pouch 10 is filled withthe product in a filling operation. For example, a fill tube is loweredinto the compartment and the product is dispensed into the opencompartment. The fill tube may be lowered into the opened compartment,or through the opening means, such as the spout. The product ispreferably dispensed at a predetermined temperature, depending on thetype of product. In the case of distinct products, it may be necessaryto move the pouches to another fill station to complete the filling ofthe other compartments. For example, the first and second compartmentsare filled at a first station with the first two products, and the thirdcompartment containing the third product is filled at another fillingstation.

The pouches 10 may be moved to a station where any oxygen in the pouchresiding above the product is removed, if necessary. This can be done byproviding a hood or diving nozzle where oxygen is either evacuated orreplaced with carbon dioxide or nitrogen into the pouch to displace theoxygen. A diving nozzle is used to inject the gas.

For example, if the product is naturally carbonated, such as beer orsoda or the like, the pouch is preferably filled while immersed in anitrogen atmosphere. If the product is not naturally carbonated andcarbonation is desirably, it may be immersed in a carbonator tointroduce carbon dioxide into the product. For example, carbon dioxideis introduced into water or juice to provide a carbonated beverage. Theproduct may contain a mixture of up to four volumes of carbon dioxide.It should be appreciated that the carbon dioxide masks any undesirabletaste from the ketones released during the sealing process. The carbondioxide also increases the pressure within the product so that the wallsof the pouch are rigid after the top is sealed. The product ispreferably filled at a temperature ranging from 29° F. to ambienttemperature. The methodology advances to block 150.

In block 150, the open upper edge of the pouch is closed by applying aclosing seal. In this example, the pouch is closed by sealing the upperedges 16 together using a closing sealing process as previouslydescribed. The closing seal may be an ultrasonic seal or an ultra pulseseal or a heat weld or the like. Preferably, the upper seal is a wide,insulating seal 50 with each seal 50 a, 50 b separated by an air pocket50 c. It should be appreciated that the steps of filling and sealing maybe repeated for each compartment, if necessary. That is, one compartmentis filled and sealed, and then the adjacent compartment is filled andsealed.

If the compartment holds a carbonated beverage, the pouch may be sealedas described in commonly owned PCT Patent Application No.PCT/JUS03/034396, which is incorporated herein by reference. A secondcosmetic seal may be applied over the first seal for a carbonatedproduct, as shown at 78. The second seal may be a heat weld. Some of theproduct may be trapped between the first and second seals. This isadvantageous since there is no gas in the head space, i.e. the regionbetween the product and the heat seal, and less pouch material isrequired.

In block 155, the filled pouch 10 is finished in a finishing operation.For example, the edges of the pouch may be trimmed to achieve apredetermined pouch shape. In addition, the filled pouch may be cooledat a cooling station using a conventionally known cooling technique. Themethodology advances to block 160.

In block 160, the filled pouch 10 is discharged from the machine. Forexample, the pouches are moved to a discharge station where thereceptacles are moved from the arm of the turret outwardly onto aconveyor. The receptacles are then moved by the conveyor under roboticarms having grippers, which are then lowered to grab the pouch 10 andlift the pouch 10 from the receptacles. The receptacles are then movedby the conveyor through a rinsing station and returned to the other sideof the turret for use. The pouches 10 are placed by the grippers intocartons. At this point, the filled pouch is available for distribution.

It should be appreciated that the methodology may include other steps,such as an upstream oxygen purging station, a downstream oxygen purgingstation, or pasteurization or the like. For example, the filled pouchmay be pasteurized in an integral retort chamber (not shown) that heatsand then cools the pouch. The pouch may be tested, such as burst testingor the like prior to packaging for shipping. These additional processingsteps may take place at a station on the form/fill/seal apparatus, or onanother apparatus.

It is also contemplated that the order of implementing the steps mayvary to facilitate the manufacturing process. In addition, amanufacturing station may perform one or a plurality of operations, toenhance the efficiency of the methodology and apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example of a fill-seal machine 80 for carryingout the method described with respect to FIG. 7 is illustrated. The fillmachine illustrated is by way of example, and other configurations maybe utilized. It should be appreciated that a particular manufacturingstation may perform one or more operations. It should also beappreciated that the order of operations may vary. The fill-seal machine80 may be configured as a flat bed, a conveyor, a rotary turret or thelike. An example of a flat bed form machine is manufactured by Nishibe,such as the model number SBM500, SMB600 or SMB700. It should beappreciated that the fill-seal machine may be integral with the formmachine, or a separate machine.

In operation, the carrier with the pouch 10 is loaded onto the machine80 as shown at station 1. The pouches 10 are removed from the receptacleand placed in a holder as shown at station 2, such as by using agripper.

The pouch 10 is transported along the conveyor belt to operation station3, and the pouch 10 is opened in an opening operation. Varioustechniques are conventionally known in the art for further opening thepouch 10. The pouch compartments may be opened using the openinggrippers as previously described. The guide pocket formed by the creasein the front panel and back panel facilitates opening the upper edges ofthe pouch, as previously described. The lever arms assist in maintainingthe pouch in an open position.

The fully opened pouch 10 is transferred to a filling station asindicated at station 4, and the pouch is filled with the product. Forexample, a nozzle dispenses a predetermined amount of product into theopened pouch. The product may be dispensed into the opened edges of thepouch or through a fitment. In this example, the fill nozzle is loweredinto the opened pouch, and the product is dispensed into the open pouch.Depending on the number of compartments and type of products, there maybe more than one filling station.

If the product is naturally carbonated, such as beer or soda or thelike, the pouch is preferably filled while immersed in a nitrogenatmosphere. If the product is not naturally carbonated, it is immersedin a carbonator to introduce carbon dioxide into the product. Forexample, carbon dioxide is introduced into cold water or juice toprovide a carbonated beverage. The product may contain a mixture of upto four volumes of carbon dioxide. It should be appreciated that thecarbon dioxide masks any undesirable taste from ketones and othersolvents released during the sealing process. The carbon dioxide alsoincreases the pressure within the product so that the walls of the pouch10 are rigid after the top is sealed. The product is preferably filledat a temperature ranging from 29° F. to ambient temperature. Thecarbonation is advantageous as a microbiocide which can enhance theflavor or prevent mold or contamination.

The pouch 10 is transferred to station 5 for removing any oxygen fromthe pouch. The pouch is then transferred to a sealing station and theopen edges of the pouch are first sealed, as indicated at station 6. Forexample, at the sealing station 6, the lifting surface ends, causing thelever arms to return to their original position, and the pouch to close.It should be noted that the filled pouch might return to a partiallyclosed position due to the product contained therein. The first may be athermal seal. For example, a heat-sealing member extends therethroughthe slots in the sides of the cup, to seal the upper edge of pouch.

Another example of a first seal for a carbonated product utilizes anultrasonic sealing process. Preferably the ultrasonic seal includessound waves and is formed using a horn and anvil. A second seal isapplied at a second sealing station 7. The second seal may be appliedusing a heat seal means to form a second heat seal over the first seal.It should be appreciated that the second seal may be spaced slightlyabove the first seal. The second heat-sealing station 7 is conventionaland utilizes heat or a combination of heat and pressure to form theseal. The second seal may also be a cosmetic seal or another type ofseal, such as ultrasonic, ultra pulse or the like. The first and secondseals are applied for a carbonated product as disclosed in commonlyassigned Patent Application No. PCT/US03/34396, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The pouch is transferred to a finishing station 8 for finishing andremoval from the filling machine. For example, the pasteurized pouch 10may be cooled. A tear notch may be formed in the pocket portion of thepouch to facilitate opening the pouch to access the product in thepouch. In another finishing operation, the edges of the pouch aretrimmed to achieve a desired shape. The finished pouches may bedischarged into a package. For example, transfer grippers may beutilized to place the pouch in a box for shipment.

If desired, the pouch may be transferred to a pasteurization station.Pasteurization enhances the shelf life of the product. The pouch isinserted into an enclosed retort chamber. Air is extracted from thechamber, such as using a vacuum source. The product inside the pouch ispasteurized. For example, a combination of steam and water is used toheat the pouch to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined periodof time to pasteurize the product contained within the pouch. Thepackage is then cooled. In this example, recirculated water surroundsthe pouch to cool the pouch. In certain instances, it may be desirableto apply steam to sterilize the pouch 10 and to wet the inner surface ofthe walls to facilitate handling.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. Itis to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intendedto be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. Therefore, the present invention may bepracticed other than as specifically described.

1. A flexible pouch with multiple compartments for packaging a product,said pouch comprising: a wall having an inner surface and an outersurface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a side edgeextending therebetween said upper edge and said lower edge; a mid-seamseparating said wall into discrete compartments, wherein said mid-seamis a frangible seal that remains intact when a pressure within the pouchis below a predetermined bursting pressure, and breaks when the pressurewithin the pouch is greater than the predetermined bursting pressure;and an opening means integrally formed in at least one compartment foraccessing a product contained within the pouch.
 2. The pouch as setforth in claim 1 wherein said mid-seam extends horizontally between afirst side edge and a second side edge.
 3. The pouch as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said mid-seam extends vertically between said upper edgeand said lower edge.
 4. The pouch as set forth in claim 1 furtherincluding another mid-seam separating said wall into discretecompartments, wherein said another mid-seam is a permanent seal thatremains intact when a pressure within the pouch is greater than thepredetermined bursting pressure.
 5. The pouch as set forth in claim 1further including an insulating seal spaced a determined distance fromeither one of said upper edge, lower edge or side edge, and saidinsulating seal includes a first insulating seal spaced a predetermineddistance apart from a second insulating seal, and an insulating airspacetherebetween said first insulating seal and second insulating seal. 6.The pouch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said opening means is afitment that includes a spout.
 7. The pouch as set forth in claim 6wherein said fitment includes a cap removably attached to said spout. 8.The pouch as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a front wall and arear wall and an insert positioned between said front wall and said rearwall.
 9. The pouch as set forth in claim 1 further comprising anintegral vent means disposed in said wall, and said integral vent meansis enclosed by a frangible vent seal that remains intact when a pressurewithin the pouch is below a predetermined vent seal bursting pressure,and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater than thepredetermined vent seal bursting pressure.
 10. The pouch as set forth inclaim 9 wherein said vent means is a one-way valve.
 11. The pouch as setforth in claim 1 wherein said wall is formed from a laminate of at leastthree layers, and one layer is selected from a family of materials thatincludes cast polypropylene (CPP).
 12. The pouch as set forth in claim 1further comprising a sleeve bonded to the outer surface of said wall.13. The pouch as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a securingmeans for holding the compartments of the pouch together when the pouchis folded along said mid-seal.
 14. A flexible pouch with multiplecompartments for packaging a product, said pouch comprising: a frontwall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, anopposed lower edge and a first side edge and a second side edgeextending therebetween said upper edge and said lower edge; a rear wallhaving an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, anopposed lower edge and a first side edge and a second side edgeextending therebetween said upper edge and said lower edge, wherein saidupper edge, opposed lower edge, first side edge and second side edge ofsaid front wall and said real wall are joined together; a frangiblemid-seal separating said joined front wall and rear wall into discretecompartments, wherein said frangible mid-seal remains intact when apressure within the pouch is below a predetermined bursting pressure,and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater than thepredetermined bursting pressure; a permanent mid-seal further separatingsaid joined front wall and rear wall into discrete compartments, whereinsaid permanent seal remains intact when a pressure within the pouch isgreater than the predetermined bursting pressure; and an opening meansintegrally formed in at least one compartment for accessing a productcontained within the pouch.
 15. The pouch as set forth in claim 14wherein said frangible mid-seal or said permanent mid-seal extendshorizontally between said first side edge and said second side edge. 16.The pouch as set forth in claim 14 wherein said frangible mid-seal orsaid permanent mid-seal extends vertically between said upper edge andsaid lower edge.
 17. The pouch as set forth in claim 14 furtherincluding an insulating seal spaced a determined distance from eitherone of said upper edge, lower edge or first side edge or said secondside edge, and said insulating seal includes a first insulating sealspaced a predetermined distance apart from a second insulating seal, andan insulating airspace therebetween said first insulating seal andsecond insulating seal.
 18. The pouch as set forth in claim 14, whereinsaid opening means is a fitment that includes a spout.
 19. The pouch asset forth in claim 18 wherein said fitment includes a cap removablyattached to said spout.
 20. The pouch as set forth in claim 14 furthercomprising an insert positioned between said front wall and said backwall.
 21. The pouch as set forth in claim 14 further comprising anintegral vent means disposed in said front wall, and said integral ventmeans is enclosed by a frangible vent seal that remains intact when apressure within the pouch is below a predetermined vent seal burstingpressure, and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater thanthe predetermined vent seal bursting pressure.
 22. The pouch as setforth in claim 14 wherein said vent means is a one-way valve.
 23. Thepouch as set forth in claim 14 wherein said panel is formed from alaminate of at least three layers, and one layer is selected from afamily of materials that includes cast polypropylene (CPP).
 24. Thepouch as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a sleeve bonded to theouter surface of said front wall and said rear wall.
 25. The pouch asset forth in claim 14 further comprising a securing means for holdingthe compartments of the pouch together when the pouch is folded alongboth said frangible mid-seal and said permanent mid-seal.
 26. A methodof filling a multi-compartment pouch with a product, said methodincluding the steps of: providing a pouch having a wall with an upperedge, an opposed lower edge and a side edge extending therebetween theupper edge and the lower edge, and a mid-seam separating the pouch intodiscrete compartments and an opening means integrally formed in at leastone compartment for accessing a product contained within the pouch;simultaneously opening each compartment of the pouch using a pair ofopposed first grippers positioned on each side edge of the pouch, a pairof opposed second grippers positioned on an upper edge of the pouch, anda pair of opposed suction members positioned on each compartment wall,and simultaneously pushing the first grippers inwardly and secondgrippers and suction members outwardly; filling at least one of theopened compartments with a product; and applying a closing sealing toseal the filled compartment.
 27. The method as set forth in claim 26wherein said mid-seam is a frangible seal that remains intact when apressure within the pouch is below a predetermined bursting pressure,and breaks when the pressure within the pouch is greater than thepredetermined bursting pressure.
 28. The method as set forth in claim 26wherein said closing seal further includes the step of applying aninsulating seal spaced a predetermined distance from the closing sealand an airspace is formed between the closing seal and the insulatingseal.